- The men’s national team, Harambee Stars, withdrew from the CECAFA Four-Nation Tournament on Monday, July 21, just hours before their first match against Tanzania.
- CECAFA, the organizing body of the tournament, has deemed Kenya’s last-minute withdrawal as unfair and detrimental to regional unity and the integrity of preparations for the CHAN 2024 competition.
The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has issued an official response following the withdrawal of Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, from the CECAFA Four-Nation Tournament, labeling the move as “unfair.”
Kenya was among the four participating nations alongside hosts Tanzania, as well as Uganda and Senegal that were intended to use the competition as a vital warm-up ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2 to August 30.
However, just hours before their opening match against Tanzania on Monday, July 21, at Karatu Stadium in Arusha, Harambee Stars through the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) submitted a withdrawal letter.
They cited inadequate logistical arrangements and subpar tournament planning as the reasons for their exit.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wishes to inform the public that the Harambee Stars have withdrawn from the CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania,” the FKF statement read.
This decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy, after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable for the team’s participation and overall preparation.”
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CECAFA addressed Harambee Stars’ grievances before kick-off
CECAFA expressed frustration and disappointment at the abrupt decision, emphasizing that the concerns raised by FKF had been addressed promptly just hours before the scheduled match against Taifa Stars.
The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) deeply regrets the decision of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to withdraw Harambee Stars from the CECAFA Four Nations Tourmament,” read an official statement from CECAFA on Tuesday, July 22.
It is unfortunate the decision came on July 21st when all reasonable concerns raised by FKF had been addressed earlier by CECAFA few hours to kick-off.”
CECAFA clarified that the Kenyan team’s grievances, including accommodation, dietary requirements, and internet connectivity, were all adequately handled.
Full-board lodging with tailored meals was secured, and dedicated Wi-Fi routers were installed at the team’s hotel for their exclusive use.
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CECAFA terms Harambee Stars’ exit from Four-Nation Tournament unfair
Moreover, CECAFA noted that the other participating nations had no complaints about the tournament’s organization.
Both Uganda and Tanzania arrived in Karatu ahead of schedule and adapted seamlessly to the arrangements.
Senegal, the reigning CHAN champions, also honored their commitment and continued with their scheduled participation despite adjustments to their fixtures.
“We find it important to note that the other participating teams Uganda and Tanzania who arrived in Karatu on schedule and have been using the facilities provided, have expressed no dissatisfaction with the organization of the tournament.
Furthermore, Senegal, the fourth paticipating team and reigning champions of CHAN, is en- route to Karatu and remains committed to honoring the fixture schedule.”
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As a result, CECAFA criticized FKF’s last-minute exit, calling it detrimental to regional unity and the integrity of the preparatory competition.
CECAFA therefore finds the withdrawal of Kenya to be unfair, especially after extensive efforts were made to meet the Federation’s requests.
The sudden nature of the withdrawal compromises the spirit of regional cooperation and affects the integrity of a preparatory tournament designed with the collective interest of CHAN-bound teams in mind.
The Tournament was also agreed upon by the respective Member Associations, and the CECAFA Broadcast Partner, Azam TV, in the spirit of providing match simulation training opportunity for the teams.”
Harambee Stars have since returned to Kenya and resumed their local training camp, with less than two weeks to go before their CHAN 2024 opener against DR Congo, scheduled for August 3 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.